Manufacturing Happiness
Paul Dolan
About the Course
From Facebook fakery to career goals and parental pressures, we are all influenced by narratives that make us miserable. How do we escape? With his characteristic plain-speaking charm, Professor Paul Dolan leads a lively, discussion-driven workshop on how to boldly re-design your life to make you happier.
Drawing on decades of research in behavioural science, Dolan shows us that happiness is in the small, everyday experiences. Being happier is not about changing how you think, it’s about changing how you act.
You will learn
Part 1 – What is Happiness?
The difference between evaluation and experience
How we are misled by the narratives we construct
How policy is often influenced by questionable research
How to find a balance between pleasure and purpose
Part 2 – How Can I Achieve Happiness?
How intentions are poor predictors of behaviour
Why self-help books make you more miserable
What practical steps you need to take to change your behaviour – Priming, Defaults, Commitments and Norms.
About the Instructor
Paul Dolan is a Professor in the Department of Social Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science where he holds a Chair in Behavioural Science.
About the Instructor
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Paul Dolan
Paul Dolan is a Professor in the Department of Social Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science where he holds a Chair in Behavioural Science.
Course Syllabus
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Part 1: What is Happiness?
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Part 2: How Can I Achieve Happiness?
Suggested Further Readings
Dolan, P. (2014). Happiness by design: Finding pleasure and purpose in everyday life. Penguin UK.
